The endorsement sets up a fight between the deep-pocketed group, which backs pro-abortion-rights Democratic women, and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), which is backing Schatz.

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"Colleen Hanabusa is an experienced progressive champion who has spent her career serving the people of Hawaii with passion and integrity," EMILY's List President Stephanie Schriock said in a statement Tuesday.

"She's a glass ceiling breaker who was the first woman in Hawaii, and first Asian American woman in the country, to lead a state legislative chamber. Hawaii has a rich tradition of women's leadership and EMILY's List is proud to have helped Colleen be a part of it. Now the EMILY's List community is ready to fight for her every step of the way so that she can take her place as a senator from Hawaii," she added.

EMILY's List often spends heavily on behalf of its candidates and could provide Hanabusa with key support, given Schatz's early fundraising edge. Schatz raised $1.1 million in his first fundraising quarter in office, while Hanabusa brought in $230,000.

Hanabusa publicly announced she'd challenge Schatz last week. She'd spent months mulling whether to run against him or Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie (D), who appointed Schatz to the seat despite a deathbed request by the late Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) that she replace him in the Senate. Inouye's widow endorsed Hanabusa shortly after she made her campaign official.Sources close to Hanabusa told The Hill that the congresswoman was furious about Abercrombie’s decision.

In addition to the DSCC's backing, Schatz has the support of the League of Conservation Voters, a major environmental group. He also has ties to President Obama, who remains immensely popular in the state.

Schatz was one of the first in the country to endorse Obama for president in 2006, was part of a draft effort to get him to run and was active in Obama’s Hawaii campaigns. He chaired the state party and acted as an Obama spokesman.